SISTER STORY

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Sister Georgine Scarpino | Sisters of Mercy

The ministry of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) Program in Pittsburgh has been making an impact in our region for more than a decade.

“In 2007, I noticed stories in the news about the increasing numbers of grandparents raising grandchildren,” said Sister Georgine Scarpino, program director. “This impressed me because my own mother was orphaned and raised by her grandmother.”

Georgine and Sisters from Erie, Buffalo and Rochester each began local GRG programs. In addition to the one in Pittsburgh, there is one remaining active group in Buffalo.

While there are government-sponsored programs for grandparents, the Pittsburgh GRG program is privately funded by donors and grants. Today, Pittsburgh has two groups: a group of seven core members in McKeesport, and six members in the Bridgeville area. The groups meet monthly.

The McKeesport group is the original GRG group celebrating this anniversary. Over the years they’ve planted a garden and hosted award luncheons with prominent speakers; they’ve had field trips, picnics, surprise birthday parties and tables at various community events to attract new members.

“I’ve had so many good times!” remarked Darlene Allen, a member of the McKeesport group. “The ladies helped me, too, at the time of my son’s passing away.”

Added Georgine; “The care and respect that participants have for each other is evident in both the joys and the sorrows they’ve shared. GRG participants become friends who can share life’s darkest moments. There is no judgement here, and members benefit from knowing that others are dealing with the same issues.” 

Anna Summers, a member of a GRG group commented, “There is nothing we can’t talk about that someone in the group can’t relate to.”

Georgine is planning a third group for grandparents in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.